The document discusses several questions about Al-Qaeda and extremism. It notes that Al-Qaeda is not attacking India due to ideological differences with local groups, a lack of Arab interest in India, and India already experiencing a major terror attack in Mumbai. Efforts to counter extremist ideology include organizations working to de-radicalize youth and initiatives promoting economic cooperation. Non-violent extremism is seen as a threat since violent extremism has emerged from it. The document also discusses the political aspects of jihadi mindsets, noting radicals see religion and politics as indistinct and are actively pursuing power through their actions and ideas.

1. Panellist question and answers (part 2- continued from Leah’s)
Q. Why is Al-Qaeda not attacking India?
(HS)
• AQ aims to provide each regional audience a ‘9/11’ and India has already had Mumbai
• There is no chance of an alliance between Al-Qaeda and the Naxalites because of sharp
ideological differences
• AQ is traditionally an Arab organisation, and the Arabs have little interest in India
• A danger could arise if AQ sees a feasible way to suck India and Pakistan into a conflict
(MR)
• There is a large geographical distance between the various terror groups in India so AQ
style cooperation is more difficult than in other countries such as Pakistan
Q. What efforts are being made to provide a counter-balance to AQ’s ideology?
(GH)
• There is no clash between civilisations but a clash within civilisation and this needs to be
understood when countering extremism
• Organisations such as the Quilliam foundation are actively de-radicalising youths
(HS)
• The West is currently too critical of the Islamic community. We can’t tell Muslims what
Islam is or is not
• Initiatives such as Euromed, which foster economic and social cooperation, are effective
in reducing extremism
• In Yemen a huge percentage of the population is below the age of 18 and they are very
vulnerable to extremism
• The British government is putting a lot of money into improve the lives of dejected
youths in various countries
• Something as simple as providing a country with rice is enough to improve the image of
Western nations.
Q. How big is the threat of non-violent extremism?
(GH)
• Violent extremism in the UK emerged out of non-violent extremism

2. Q What is the political part of the Jihadi mindset?
(GH)
• A lot of the psychology of Jihadi extremism is to do with power and control
• Terror organisations often have a public and a private face. The political views expressed
in literature and media are not necessarily those held by members of the terror group
(JC)
• The radicals are political but they are not aware that they are
(HS)
• To radicals the distinction between religion and politics is irrelevant. The concepts are
Western constructs.
(John Reid)
• Radicals are actively engaged in the pursuit of power
• It is necessary to win the battle of ideas